A Time of Transformation
Students in the middle school grades vary in their levels of maturity. During these transformative years, it’s important that we focus on building self-esteem and laying the groundwork for success in upper school, while continuing to nurture a natural love of learning.
The Laurel Springs faculty strives to provide personal, social and academic support to all middle school families with individualized academic plans and increased opportunities for student socialization and parental support networking.
About the Curriculum
Students in 6th through 8th grades can select from text-based or online courses or may choose a combination of curriculum options as needed to create an optimal learning experience. In addition, beginning in 7th grade, students are eligible to join our online social network and clubs.
Our online Middle School program offers students the option to accelerate and prepare for the rigor of Upper School. Students can take high school level courses and earn credit that applies toward their high school graduation. At the onset of their high school experience, they receive academic and college guidance from a counselor to ensure they are on track to achieve their post-secondary goals and receive an Upper School academic plan.
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was founded to acknowledge outstanding middle school students. This program honors students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Students are required to complete a school and personal project for each year of membership, and attend periodic NJHS Chapter meetings with fellow members throughout the school year.
Live Induction Ceremony
Each year, Laurel Springs School invites our National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society members to take place in a live induction ceremony that recognizes newly accepted members into the chapters and honors current members’ commitments to their communities throughout the past school year. This is a special time for us as a virtual community to gather onsite with faculty and staff to celebrate our students’ achievements with their families and friends.
The Middle School Counselor
During middle school, our counselors play a key role in helping students stay focused and on track toward academic success.
Academic Planning
Academic planning is an important part of the educational process and gives the learning team unique insight into the educational needs of our students. It allows us to create carefully-tailored plans to meet each student’s specific needs.
The school counseling department reviews the proposed academic plan and makes adjustments or recommendations for course selection to meet the student’s goals.
Middle School Counseling Services
Counselors address the academic, personal, and social needs of students, collaborate with the student’s teachers, write recommendation letters, and help students and their families prepare for upper school.
Middle School counseling services also include advising students and providing resources in regard to career exploration and development, providing support, and assisting students with their academic success by providing resources on time management.
Transitioning to Upper School
Our Middle School counselors work very closely with the Upper School counseling team throughout the year to ensure a smooth transition from Middle School. To prepare for Upper School, 8th graders receive academic and college guidance to ensure they are on track to achieve their post-secondary goals, including a personalized upper school academic plan.
The Laurel Springs Middle School program encourages students to stretch themselves in new ways as they strengthen basic skills and prepare for Upper School.